Sevens ace Thomas to join the Blues

Adam Jones has been a key member for Wales Sevens over the past couple of seasons.

Wales Sevens captain Adam Thomas is to join Cardiff Blues from the start of next season from Pontypridd.

Thomas, 27, has signed a long-term deal at the BT Sport Arms Park and will boost the region's back line options.

The talented utility back, who is comfortable at centre or full back, has been a pivotal member of Gareth Williams Wales Sevens side competing on the World Series stage.

Thomas has played in a total of 24 tournaments for Wales and led them to the quarter-finals of the Rugby Sevens World Cup in Moscow in 2013.

The Ynysybwl-born ace - who is 6ft 3in and weighs 15st 12lbs - has previously been part of the Blues Under-20 squad.

A former student at UWIC, Thomas was drafted into the Pontypridd senior squad at the start of the 2007/08 campaign and enjoyed a playing spell overseas in New Zealand in 2009 with Southland.

Thomas said: "It's everyone's dream to play professional rugby and I've been lucky to enjoy that environment with Wales Sevens.

"Now I'm excited about stepping up and taking this huge opportunity at Blues and the challenges ahead of me.

"I've been coached by Paul John and Dale McIntosh at Pontypridd so I'm looking forward to working with them and the new Director of Rugby.

"I will also be linking up with players like Chris Dicomidis and Simon Humberstone who I know from Pontypridd days and the likes of Rhys Patchell, Owen Williams and Cory Allen who I know from Sevens so I hope I can settle into the new set-up quickly."

Thomas also thanked Pontypridd for their huge impact on his career and revealed his plans to sign off from Wales Sevens duty next month.

He added: "Pontypridd gave me an opportunity seven years ago and I wouldn't be where I am today without them and that support. Everyone there is so passionate and when you talk about values I know that Ponty have helped shape the person and player I am. I can't thank them enough.

"Sevens has been a wonderful experience in my life and my last with them will be at the Commonwealth Games in July. We had the World Cup last year and it would be great to sign off with success at a major tournament."

Wales Sevens Head Coach, Gareth Williams, paid tribute to the impact of Thomas during his time in the set-up and added: "Adam's deal with the Blues highlights the relationship between the Sevens unit and the region.

"Adam has been a fantastic leader and player for Wales Sevens, and with this change in focus hopefully his development can continue.

"It is our goal to keep producing players of Adam's calibre, while enhancing Wales's performance on the World Series."

Meanwhile, Blues have confirmed that Isaia Tuifua has left the region following the completion of his short-term deal. Tuifua made nine appearances for Blues after arriving in January as injury cover.

Everyone at the region would like to thank 'Ice' for his contribution and wish him and his family every success for the future.

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